Research shows that RUGBY players are twice more likely to develop dementia due to their frequent head bangs.
Although ex-internationals lived longer lives than the average, rates of the condition were 2.2x higher than those in non-players.
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Both the forward and back were equally affected.
Parkinson’s disease is three times more common while motor neurone disease, although rare, is 15 times as common.
These findings were based on a study by Glasgow University that compared 412 ex-scottish players to 1,236 non-players.
It is becoming increasingly clear that even small bumps can have devastating consequences for years to come.
Professor Willie Stewart said: “We’re finding over and over again that head injury and head impact exposure in sport increases your risk of neurodegenerative disease.
“It’s a risk that we need to do something about.
“The modern game has just seen the head impact risk go up and up, as far as I’m concerned.
“Precautions should be adopted. I wouldn’t stop children playing but I would ask the coach about injuries.
“If they don’t understand, go to the next club.”